Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation
With the rapid popularity of cultural phenomenons like k-pop and high fashion in the last couple of years, I couldn’t help but notice the insensitivity (although often unintentional) of people in such industries towards “exotic” cultures. I wrote the following piece to hopefully increase awareness on the importance of culture and how you can detect and avoid cultural appropriation!
From halloween costumes to big name fashion shows, cultural appropriation has long been a common occurrence, but we have still yet to acknowledge it. Cultural appropriation is a term often used to describe the taking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group from another.It could mean wearing a piece of jewelry or clothing that may hold a place of great significance in a culture, or getting a hairdo that is rich in the history of another culture. For example, it is very disrespectful to the indigineous community to send a lingerie-clad model down the runway with a culturally significant feathered headdress. But it is important to note that cultural appropriation isn’t the same as cultural appreciation (or cultural exchange). Cultural appreciation is when someone seeks to understand and learn about another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-culturally. This is so important in becoming an educated global citizen and perhaps even a leader.
But where do we draw the line between appropriate forms of cultural appreciation and more damaging patterns of cultural appropriation?
In essence, any forms of cultural exchange that does not violate the moral and cultural values of the respective culture would be considered acceptable. It is important that you understand what the item or aspect you are borrowing truly means to the culture. Otherwise, your mindless acts can be harmful not only to those whose culture you are borrowing from but also to those with whom you share it. Genuine appreciation roots from an authentic desire to understand and learn about another culture in an effort to broaden your perspective on the global scale. If you are borrowing a part of a culture for your own personal interest, that is appropriation no matter your intent in doing so.
So, how can you take part in or “borrow” (appreciation) a culture without exploiting it for your own personal interest (appropriation)?
One way you can become a better global citizen is through self-reflection. Examine your own culture and try to understand the cultural differences and why they might be different. Taking an introspective look at your own culture will allow you to realize that a specific aspect of your own culture might be central to you identity, and so if someone were to use it without understanding the importance of it, that act, whether it was intentional or not, would probably offend you. Take this into consideration and carefully determine if your borrowing of a culture might offend a person of that cultural background. Another important step you should take is to listen to those who are a part of the fabric of that society or culture. Listen to their stories and understand the implications of the aspect in which you are trying to “appreciate”. It also crucial that you consider the context in which you will be borrowing their culture. What does a certain symbol mean to a particular culture? When and where is it appropriate to use it? Understanding what the various aspects of a culture are and what they mean are so important.